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Changes to Cambridge Global Perspectives®
We have reviewed our Cambridge Global Perspectives qualifications for learners aged 16–19 guided by feedback
from schools and higher education. We want to make sure they continue to equip learners with the skills they need
to succeed in our changing world. This communication explains the changes we are introducing and gives the
dates of these changes.
Cambridge International AS Level Global Perspectives & Research (9239)
What has changed?
At the end of February 2014 we published a revised syllabus for Cambridge International AS Level Global
Perspectives for first examination in June 2015. The revised Cambridge International AS Level has a new syllabus
code and new name. The new syllabus code is 9239. The new name is Cambridge International AS Level Global
Perspectives & Research. The new name reflects the fact that research skills are a core part of both the
AS and A Level syllabus. The new name also clearly differentiates the revised syllabus (9239) from the current
syllabus (8987).
We have also made changes to the assessment structure of this qualification to make sure it assesses
teamworking and oral communication skills. The key changes are:
• The weightings of the components have been adjusted so they are more equal (see the table below).
• Component 3 is now a presentation and report relating to a team project. It is no longer based on a prereleased source book, which means learners can take it at any time during the course.
More details on changes to Component 3
Learners work in teams of between two and five members to identify a local problem which has global relevance.
Team members collaborate to select the issue or problem. They must work together to plan their work to ensure
that individual members research different aspects. Individual team members then carry out their research and
produce an eight-minute presentation of their own work. The presentation must suggest effective and innovative
solutions to the problem, based on the research findings. Following the presentations, the team comes together to
discuss, debate and formulate their preferred team-based solution. This team solution must be detailed in an
individual 800-word Reflective Paper submitted by each candidate. The Reflective Paper must also include an
evaluation of, and reflection on, the process of collaboration.
Examples of local problems:
• What is the best solution to the environmental impacts of urban sprawl?
• How can we educate the public to prevent gang violence in the community?
• How can we tackle the image of women in the media and its impact on local sub-cultures?
Syllabus structure
Component
1
2
3
Task
Written Examination
Essay
Team Project
Weighting
30%
35%
35%
Type of assessment
External
External
External
Moving to the revised syllabus
For 2015 examination only, you can choose between the current syllabus (8987) and the revised syllabus (9239).
The current syllabus (8987) will be available for examination in June and November 2015. From 2016 all
candidates will have to be entered for the revised syllabus (9239).
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Changes to Cambridge Global Perspectives®
Cambridge International A Level Global Perspectives & Research (9239)
The revised AS Level is part of a Cambridge International AS and A Level in Global Perspectives & Research
(GPR). We published the full syllabus in June 2014 for first examination of the A Level in June 2016. We have
introduced the Cambridge International A Level in response to feedback from schools and higher education. The
new A Level:
• provides progression from the AS Level course, resulting in a qualification recognised by a large number of
universities worldwide
• helps learners develop a broad-based understanding of research methodology
• gives learners the opportunity to carry out their own research on a topic of their choice to produce a 5000word report
• introduces a viva (oral examination) in which students will defend the arguments and methods used in their
Research Report.
Support for Cambridge International AS and A Level Global Perspectives & Research
You will be able to access all the materials you need to teach the syllabus, including specimen question papers,
mark schemes, schemes of work, lesson plans and discussion forums. Learn more at www.cie.org.uk/teachers
We have an online Learning Area for students to support the teaching of Cambridge Global Perspectives courses.
Teachers can log into the area to access resources and course content. It also allows learners around the world to
collaborate between schools, countries and cultures, helping to foster genuine global perspectives. If you are
interested in accessing the Learning Area please create a teacher account by completing our online form.
If you already have a teacher account you can access the learning area here. We will also offer face-to-face
training events to introduce teachers to the changes to the Cambridge International AS Level syllabus and to the
new Cambridge International A Level syllabus. Find details of the events are available on our Events and training
calendar.
The Cambridge AICE Diploma
We recently announced changes to our Cambridge AICE Diploma. We have restructured the Diploma to place the
revised Cambridge International AS Level Global Perspectives & Research at the heart of the curriculum. Learn
more at www.cie.org.uk/acie.
Cambridge Pre-U Global Perspectives & Research (9766)
From 2017, Cambridge Pre-U Global Perspectives & Research (9766) will no longer be offered as a staged course.
This means it will not be possible to progress from Cambridge International AS Level to the second year of
Cambridge Pre-U Global Perspectives & Research. Learners taking assessments for the current Cambridge
International AS Level Global Perspectives syllabus (8987) in 2014 or 2015 have until the end of 2016 to complete
assessments for the second year of Cambridge Pre-U Global Perspectives & Research (9766). After 2016,
learners wanting staged certification of a Cambridge Global Perspectives & Research qualification will have to take
the Cambridge International AS and A Level route.
If you are a Cambridge Associate please pass this information to your schools offering Cambridge Global
Perspectives qualifications. If you have any questions about how these changes will impact your teaching plans
please contact us at info@cie.org.uk
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Changes to Cambridge Global Perspectives®
Summary of changes
Cambridge International AS Level Global Perspectives (8987)
• Last assessment – November 2015
Cambridge International AS Level Global Perspectives & Research (9239)
• First assessment – June 2015
Cambridge International A Level Global Perspectives & Research (9239)
• First assessment – June 2016
Cambridge Pre-U Global Perspectives & Research (9766)
• From 2017, Cambridge Pre-U Global Perspectives & Research (9766) will no longer be offered as staged
course with no route through from Cambridge International AS Level (9239).
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